Published 4:00 am, Monday, May 2, 2005

This new title -- "starting running back" -- is still growing on LaMont Jordan. So it's no wonder he stood in the huddle with the first-team offense the past three days at Raiders' minicamp and caught himself checking over his shoulder.

Looking for Curtis Martin to tap him on the arm and replace him? Not here. Not anymore. After four seasons with the New York Jets as the understudy to the NFL's top rusher in 2004, Jordan's finally is getting his opportunity to be the feature back.

"It's funny. I called a friend of mine back home and I said, 'Wow, I'm a starting running back in the NFL,' " Jordan said Sunday as the Raiders concluded their lone mandatory minicamp for rookies and veterans. "It's a weird feeling."

Not for the Raiders, who finally got their guy. Jordan, a powerful 5-foot- 10, 230-pound halfback with the track-star burst, was in their sights as far back as a year ago, when the Raiders tried to swing a trade with the Jets prior to the 2004 draft.

When Jordan became an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Al Davis' checkbook quickly appeared. In one remarkable 10-day period, the Raiders re- signed wide receiver Jerry Porter, franchise-tagged cornerback Charles Woodson, traded for wide receiver Randy Moss and signed Jordan to a five-year, $24.5 million contract.

Photo: John Storey

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Running back LaMont Jordan yawns during practice. Raiders mini-camp at their training facility in Alameda. John Storey Alameda Event on 4/30/05

Running back LaMont Jordan yawns during practice. Raiders mini-camp at their training facility in Alameda. John Storey Alameda Event on 4/30/05

And the career backup who led the NFL with a 5.2-yards-per-carry average (93 attempts, 479 yards) last season sees nothing but opportunity with his new employer.

"I think this'll be the first time in my running back career that I might not face eight in the box all the time," Martin said of the Raiders' imposing receiver and tight-end lineup.

His ability to run between the tackles and sweep outside will makes him tough to defend. Martin also knows the presence of the Raiders' big three receivers -- Moss, Porter and Ronald Curry -- will make his job that much easier.

"Any running back would want to play with a guy like Randy Moss. Because you already know that you can cancel two people out of the equation," Martin said. "You can take a cornerback and a safety out, and you don't have to worry about them."

And vice versa.

"Probably about 65 percent of our offense is play-action pass," Porter said. "Now we have an actual run threat, it's going to make mine and Randy's job a lot easier."

That's the plan. The NFL's most potent offenses in 2004 -- Kansas City, Indianapolis, Green Bay -- all had 1,000-plus-yard rushers to complement the pass.

The Raiders' running game, meanwhile, ranked dead last in the NFL last season, and leading rusher Amos Zereoue, finished with only 425 yards. As a team, the Raiders managed only 1,295 yards rushing on 327 carries.

Playing in Paul Hackett's West Coast offense with the Jets, Jordan proved he is adept at pass catching, too, and the Raiders used him on several play- action and swing routes throughout the minicamp.

"The West Coast (offense) is definitely different from this offense, but I'm a running back. I've done it all, as far as play-action pass, pro (style), running the ball," Jordan said.

With Justin Fargas available for a change of pace and Zack Crockett's proven short-yardage ability on third downs, the Raiders' backfield appears as balanced as the receiver corps.

For now, though, everything is still very new and somewhat confusing for Jordan. He's trying to learn names -- "Let me see, I know Randy, I know (Warren) Sapp, I know Kerry (Collins) and Jerry. It's gonna be tough," Jordan said -- and familiarize himself with new playbook terminology.

"He's an impressive guy," Turner said after getting a good look at Jordan. "He's an awfully well-rounded back. He's a physical guy with great quickness. He's a good receiver. He's going to give us good versatility."

And despite his newcomer status, Jordan is prepared to tackle another role, as a team leader.

"I've heard some people say, 'You're the savior, or whatever, of the running game.' So there is a big responsibility," Jordan said. "There is a huge responsibility on my shoulders, because people, with the money that the Raiders pay me, and with them trying to get me last year, and now I'm finally here, there are a lot of expectations out there, and people are looking for me to do big things. But nobody can put more pressure on me than I put on myself. "